The English manager believes Fernandes is showing traits of Cantona, who was an important figure for the Red Devils during his playing days at Old Trafford.
Fernandes’ time in England has been a revelation so far as he is putting in good performances every week.
Manchester United acquired the services of the Portugal international from Sporting CP during the 2020 January transfer window and Fernandes has since fitted in perfectly.
The 26-year-old has scored 33 goals and provided 20 assists in just 58 games for Manchester United so far.
Ahead of Newcastle’s united trip to face Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men at Old Trafford on Sunday, Bruce has compared Fernandes to Cantona, but insists the former must win trophies to match the Frenchman’s legacy.
“You have to judge people over a period of time with what they’ve won,” said the former defender who once played with Cantona under Sir Alex Ferguson.
“Certainly, Eric for us was the catalyst who helped us to go and win things. The way Fernandes has played in the last 12 months, it feels a bit like what Eric did in his early days at Old Trafford. Eric adored everything that went with playing for arguably the biggest and best club in the world.”
“Fernandes has done fantastically well in doing that at this stage. For it to be even suggested that he’s on the same hymn sheet as Eric is a wonderful compliment to him.”
“Now they have to go and achieve and win things the way Eric did. And on big occasions, win cup finals and semi-finals. If he does that then, of course, you can compare him to Eric.”
